We are told to routinely check our sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure, but how often do we check our liver?
According to a report commissioned by the Australian Liver Association released today, not enough.
The ALA says more than one quarter of the population suffers from liver disease and migrant communities have a higher rates of the deadliest liver disease of all: Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a life-threatening liver disease.
49-year-old Hanan Mansour was infected by a bad blood transfusion in Egypt 20 years ago.
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“Unfortunately I got hepatitis C, and I didn't know anything about it until three years ago, by mere coincidence, by a blood test here.”
According to the study, she's one of the 5.5 million impacted by liver disease.
The report found one in four Australians is affected by liver disease, which is costing the country more than 50 billion dollars every year, and is a growing problem.
Currently 20 people die from liver disease every day.
Professor Geoff McCaughan, head of the National Liver Transplant Unit at RPA Hospital, says unless it's made a national health priority, that number could jump.
“At the moment liver disease doesn't even get onto the agenda,” he said.
He says watching alcohol intake, having a good diet and getting exercise all help to prevent the disease, but it's still not enough.
“The commonest causes are fatty liver disease, the hepatitis viruses, alcoholic related, also, immune conditions which affect young adolescents and babies.”
He says because the symptoms of liver disease often aren't obvious, regular checks are crucial.
Colin Lewis was diagnosed with liver cancer four years ago.
“It was a big surprise. I was at work, I had a sharp pain. I'd never had anything like that in my life,” he said.
A liver transplant earlier this month saved his life.
“If this didn't come along I would have got worse and worse, and probably be visiting a friend up there.”
The ALA report was funded by pharmaceutical companies, but the medical team behind study insists was independently researched, reflecting data in the UK, Europe and America.
Hepatitis Australia CEO Helen Tyrell says Australia's migrant communities need to be particularly careful.
“There is almost a hidden population in Australia with high rates of Hepatitis C, particularly people from the Asia-Pacific and Africa.
Hanan Mansour was cured three months ago, and says it was early detection that saved her life.
“Please check your blood, you might have it and not know it,” she said.
